Published for the Arts Based School Community
May 21, 2026
No School-Memorial Day Monday, May 25
Celebrating Excellence in Education at ABS
The Arts Based School is thrilled to celebrate two remarkable educators whose passion, creativity, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our students and school community.
Congratulations to Alysha Christian — Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Winner!
We are proud to announce that ABS middle school teacher Alysha Christian has been selected as a winner in the 2026 Rack Room Shoes Teacher of the Year Contest, a national recognition honoring outstanding educators who inspire students and strengthen their school communities.
Ms. Christian was nominated by ABS parent Becky Dickson, whose heartfelt submission highlighted the incredible care, creativity, and enthusiasm Alysha brings to her students each day. Out of submissions from across multiple states, Alysha was chosen as one of only five national winners. As part of the award, Ms. Christian will receive a $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card, and The Arts Based School will receive a $10,000 School Innovation Grant to support innovative learning opportunities for students.
This year marks Alysha’s 15th year in education. Over her career, she has taught many grade levels and students, and she has become a beloved part of the ABS middle school community. Her classroom is filled with curiosity, creativity, storytelling, scientific exploration, and deep relationships with students and families. Alysha’s love of reading, writing, art, nature, and community shines through in every aspect of her teaching.
While we celebrate this incredible honor, we also do so with bittersweet emotions. This is Alysha’s final year at ABS as she prepares to move back home to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Though we will miss her tremendously, we are grateful for the joy, heart, and inspiration she has shared with our students and school community.
Congratulations and Happy Retirement to Anne Campbell
We also want to recognize and celebrate Anne Campbell as she retires after an extraordinary 40-year teaching career.
Mrs. Campbell has spent the last 13 years at ABS, teaching both 3rd grade at the North Campus and, more recently, 2nd grade at the South Campus. Throughout her career in both New York and North Carolina, she has shared her passion for learning, literature, theater arts, and the arts with generations of students.
Mrs. Campbell says she has wanted to teach since she was three years old, lining up her stuffed animals and teaching them everything she learned from Romper Room. That joyful spirit has remained at the center of her teaching throughout her career. Her classrooms have always been filled with imagination, storytelling, music, art, and genuine love for teaching children.
Though she is retiring from classroom teaching, she assures us she still plans to “teach kids” in retirement — though this time, they may be the four-legged variety on her family’s farm in Pilot Mountain! We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Campbell’s many years of service and the countless lives she has touched through her teaching.
ABS is fortunate to have educators like Alysha Christian and Anne Campbell whose passion and commitment remind us daily of the profound difference great teachers make in the lives of children.
Congrats to Paloma!
5th grade ABS student Paloma Kuzmovich has been named the winner of the 2026 Forsyth County “I Voted” Sticker Contest! Paloma’s creative design was selected from student entries across the community and will be featured as part of local voter engagement efforts. She was recognized for her outstanding artwork at the Forsyth County Board Meeting on May 19. We are so proud of Paloma for sharing her creativity in a way that encourages civic participation and community involvement. Congratulations, Paloma, on this exciting achievement!
ABS 8th Grade Graduation
Let’s celebrate our 8th graders! Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 12 noon in the ABS Alex Ewing Theater. Seating is limited to 4 tickets per graduate. Thanks to MIXXER to allowing the use of their parking lot for overflow parking during the graduation ceremony.
End of Year Checklist
- Pick up medications from the front office.
- Be sure all fees and lunch balances are paid.
- Let us know if you will not be returning to ABS next year. If your child is transferring to another school, please let us know where to send your child’s records by emailing Director Hollis [email protected]
- Thursday, May 28 is the last day of school, with early dismissal. K-4 dismisses at 11:45. 5-8 dismisses at 12pm.
Field Day
Field Day will be held on Thursday, May 28, this year. It’s a half-day and we need volunteers to help the classes run their games. Please contact your class rep if you can help. This is one of the last opportunities of the year to earn volunteer hours. In the event of rain, field day will be canceled.
Costa Rica Trip Information for Rising 6th-8th Graders- STEAM Club Trip Summer 2027
Recently an initial interest meeting was held for those interested in travel for the summer of 2027 with the ABS STEAM Club. The trip is intended for any ABS 6th-8th grade student, but can include parents, siblings, and ABS Alumni if interested. In case you missed it, please see the meeting recording, sample itinerary, and additional information here. There is a discount for those who register for the trip by the end of the school year!
HELP: Summer Seamstress Needed!
We need help repairing props and costumes this summer — giving everything a little TLC before next year’s productions begin. If you have any sewing skills, whether you enjoy simple hand-sewing or have professional-level serger skills, we would love your help!
All costumes for our Kindergarten through 8th grade productions are handmade by ABS staff and volunteers, and every year they need some summer TLC to get them stage-ready again.
Whatever your sewing ability, if you are willing to help, please email Liz Green ([email protected]) and she will connect you with the perfect summer project.
Late Summer Camp Registration- Shhh…
Summer has a funny way of sneaking up on all of us. Between wrapping up the school year, juggling schedules, and keeping up with the everyday chaos, summer camp registration can easily get bumped down the to-do list. But shhh... if summer plans are still coming together, this secret sign-up link is your chance to squeeze in quietly and secure a spot before camp begins!
Top Secret Information: We are now offering aftercare from 2pm-5pm for registered campers for $75/week. This registration officially closes on 5/22.
Late 2026 Summer Camp Flyer
Late 2026 Summer Camp Registration
Yearbooks Are Here!
If you missed purchasing one, a limited number of extra copies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at each front desk beginning Thursday, May 14. $30 cash, check, or credit card. We are not able to “hold” copies.
Parent Council Notes:
- Field Day (May 28): Middle School needs more volunteers! Sign up here. Parent Reps are emailing out to classes for station sign-ups so be on the lookout for those emails detailing needs and volunteering opportunities! It is also early dismissal and pizza day so mark your calendars!
- Kona Ice for Field Day: Don't forget to pre-pay for your child's Kona Ice treat! Visit app.konaicepay.com and enter codes:
- North (MLK): K79X19215429
- North (7th St): K79X36215431
- South: K79X60615430
- May 2026 Parent Council Meeting: For the last Parent Council meeting, catch up on the May Meeting minutes.
- New Parent Council Members: At the May PC meeting, Parent Council Board members were voted in based on nominations. Below is the list of our 26-27 Parent Council. Meetings will take a summer break and reconvene in September!
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- Catch up on Thursday Notes you may have missed
- Explore the ABS website
- Make sure we have best contact information so that you receive all communications